Alaska Airlines Has the Best Elite Status Program, Here’s Why

When we hear the words “No. 1 airline rewards program,” mega-monsters such as United, American, and Delta are typically the first ones that come to mind. But when it comes to the trillion-dollar airline industry, we’re all rooting for the underdog. And finally, one of those underdogs — albeit a well-known airline in its own right — has prevailed.

In an effort to find the best airline elite status, ThePointsGuy, trusted online resource for travel news, evaluated data and compared rewards program perks from six U.S. based airlines. Much to our delight, the findings prove that nice guys really do finish first, not to mention, they crush their biggest competition while they’re at it.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a rewards program that’s right for you, look no further; we’ve got the answers. Without further ado, here’s how the findings break down, and what makes Alaska Airlines the reigning champ of elite status programs.

1. The four tiers of elite status

Alaska airlines swept all but one category. | Tupungato/iStock/Getty Images

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at how ThePointsGuy went about comparing the programs. First, it’s important to understand the various levels of status because we’re not all equals when it comes to flying the not-so-friendly, often judgmental skies.

Like most things in this world, your status has everything to do with money. In particular, the amount that you spend typically equates to how well or poorly you’re treated as a paying passenger.

In order to assess the programs, ThePointsGuy broke down the tiers into four different levels:

Low-tier elite status: 25,000 miles flown and $3,000 spent in a year

Mid-tier elite status: 50,000 miles flown and $6,000 spent in a year

High-tier elite status: 75,000 miles flown and $9,000 spent in a year

Road-warrior elite status: 125,000 miles flown and $15,000 spent in a year

Next: These are the airlines that made the cut.

2. The airlines

Six airlines made the cut. | Laser1987/iStock/Getty Images

There are lots of airlines to choose from, so ThePointsGuy had a tough job to do. But, the experts were able to narrow it down to just a few, based on specific criteria. All contenders are “U.S.-based airlines with either a large domestic route network or partner carriers.” Six made the list: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.

Next: Let’s see how the perks measure up.

3. All about the perks

Free baggage is probably a perk. | Michaeljung/iStock/Getty Images

Elite status comes with perks. After all, it’s the very reason anyone would want to align themselves with one specific airline in the first place. For the sake of the study, every perk and incentive offered by any of the airlines included was grouped into one of eight categories. Furthermore, each category carried a certain weight, which is shown in percentages.

So, what exactly are all these perks, you ask? It’s time to find out.

Next: Now, let’s take a look at the criteria.

4. Airport perks = 10%

Making your way through the airport without any hiccups is the name of the game these days. Speed and efficiency are of the utmost importance, and having a one-up on your fellow travelers is pretty much like getting a chance to compete in the Olympics.

Airport perks include a wide range of fan favorites, such as priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling, as well as lounge access. Long layover? No problem, there’s a lounge with mediocre coffee that’s got your name all over it.

Next: If you fly enough, reservation perks are a total life-saver.

5. Reservation perks = 5%

Getting to speak to a real person is always a nice change. | Opolja/iStock/Getty Images

Remember the days when you actually had to speak with an agent on the phone in order to book your flight? Yeah, we don’t miss those days either. Oddly enough, though, one of the reservation perks included in this category is priority phone line (we’re not totally sure what that even means). Furthermore, and much more importantly, reservation perks include enhanced award inventory, which will (hopefully) come in handy when it’s time to book.

Next: Sitting on a plane becomes so much better when you have status.

6. In-flight perks = 25%

Delta, for example, comes with free entertainment. | Delta

Depending on how skilled you are at keeping yourself entertained and how prone you are to restless leg syndrome, long flights can be a real doozy. And sometimes, there’s simply nothing you can do to find a more comfortable position. But hey, that’s life. One thing that can help, however, is having elite status.

Forget asking the flight attendant for an aspirin. There are better ways to set yourself up for the most comfortable, most painless flight possible. You guessed it — by racking up enough miles to earn yourself status on a given airline. When it comes to in-flight perks, such as free drinks, snacks, entertainment, and WiFi, some are totally worth it.

Next: Everyone likes a discount.

7. Fee waivers = 20%

A free checked bag is a luxury these days. | RossHelen/iStock/Getty Images

With the way things are heading, it’s only a matter of time before airlines start charging an additional fee for seat belts. We’re far from the days when flying provided a certain sense of luxury. Now, it’s a test to see who can stuff as many items into one carry-on suitcase, board the plane, and make it to their final destination without losing their mind. Flying — what a rush!

But in all seriousness, fee waivers are definitely a perk any passenger can get behind. Eager to check bags without paying the fee? Or make flight changes, book tickets, and fly same-day free of additional charge? Start earning those miles, and this could be you.

Next: It’s all about the bonuses.

8. Bonuses = 20%

Use those points for a free flight. | Michaeljung/iStock/Getty Images

Bonuses simply add to a program that people already want to join. And who doesn’t want to score all the bonus points they can possibly collect? When it comes to bonus perks — extra points and miles — offered by rewards programs, more is more is more, and no point should be left behind.

Next: What’s a program without any friends?

9. Partner perks = 5%

Get upgraded with ease. | Tuned_In/iStock/Getty Images

Think back to numbers four, six, and seven. Those benefits, including airport perks, in-flight perks, and fee waivers apply here, as well. However, while the benefits are the same, the focus is on how easily, and how much, you can use them on partner airlines. For example, while you may get a first-class seat upgrade on the airline with which you have status, you may only qualify for an exit-row upgrade when flying a partner airline. Just something to think about.

Next: Everyone loves a little flexibility in their life.

10. Flexible perks = 10%

You can share your perks with a friend. | CandyBoxImages/iStock/Getty Images

If you’re the giving kind, this category is for you. Simply put, flexible perks refer to the perks that members can transfer to other passengers. Some airlines are better than others, but if this is a selling point for you, be sure to look into whether a program offers flexibility.

Next: Perks extend beyond airport and in-flight benefits alone.

11. Non-flying perks = 5%

Get hotel perks while you’re at it. | Rilueda/iStock/Getty Images

With this category, we need to be a bit more specific, as not all airlines offer non-flying perks with their programs. According to ThePointsGuy, non-flying perks include “the RewardsPlus program with United/Marriott, the Crossover Rewards program with Delta/SPG and perks with car rental companies.” If you travel enough, these kinds of perks could come in quite handy.

Next: Let’s see how each airline measured up, starting with the low-tier rankings.

12. Low-tier rankings

ThePointsGuy compared the airlines at all four levels of status. Let’s start by looking at how the programs performed at the low-tier level:

Alaska MVP

American AAdvantage Gold

Delta Silver Medallion

United Premier Silver

Note: Neither JetBlue nor Southwest offer elite status at this level.

American, Delta, and United all fell short in this category for good reason. Basically, they don’t care about the lesser of their important customers. In fact, all three award their lowest of the low members with two miles per one dollar spent. Alaska, on the other hand, awards miles based on miles flown, rather than dollars spent.

So, if you spend $3,000 toward one of the big three — United, American, and Delta — you’ll get 6,000 bonus miles. If you fly 25,000 miles in a year with Alaska, you’ll earn get an additional 12,500 miles. Numbers never lie.

Additionally, Alaska’s members at this level qualify for fee waivers, a perk that’s also granted to JetBlue’s Mosaic members. And the perks just keep on coming for Alaska MVP Gold members. They receive four one-way Gold Guest Upgrades, most of which will bump them up from economy to first class. Plus, they can transfer those upgrades to other travelers, as well.

Next: Will Alaska Airlines surrender its title?

14. High-tier rankings

Delta ranked second in this listing. | Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

Here’s how the high-tier levels ranked:

Alaska MVP Gold

Delta Platinum Medallion

United Premier Platinum

American AAdvantage Platinum Pro

JetBlue Mosaic

Southwest A-List Preferred

As you can see, this level of flying and spending on Alaska Airlines earns you the same status as the mid-level tier, yet the airline still comes out on top. Despite not offering any additional perks, Alaska’s spot at No. 1 is in large part thanks to the way in which they award miles. To put numbers to the value, Gold MVP members would earn almost $1,500 worth of extra miles here. Pretty impressive.

Next: Let’s see which airline came out on top for the highest level of elite status.

15. Road-warrior rankings

United requires 100,000 miles. | Muratani/iStock/Getty Images

Before we get started on this one, you’ll recall that the criteria for road-warrior status is 125,000 miles flown and $15,000 spent in a year. However, only Delta requires those exact numbers. According to ThePointsGuy, other airlines are as follows:

The reigning champ, Alaska Airlines, was outdone in a handful of factors. First off, its rewards program simply can’t compete with the benefits offered at this level by United, American, and Delta. Furthermore, the limited partner perks and flexible perks also contribute to Alaska Airlines’ No. 4 spot here.

Next: Alaska Airlines is still the winner.

16. Best overall: Alaska Airlines

Alaska scored the best in all but one category. | Warren-Pender/iStock/Getty Images

Alaska may not have snagged the No. 1 spot in the last category, but who cares? The airline clearly has something to offer to loyal customers, and the elite status program is evidence of just that. More specifically, here’s how each airline ranked overall:

Alaska

United

Delta

American

JetBlue

Southwest

In large part, Alaska’s victory is due to how they award bonus miles. The airline looks at miles flown as opposed to dollars spent, and we must say, we hope the company doesn’t plan on changing their model anytime soon.